Review and Free E-Book: Heart of the Gospel by Charles Spurgeon

This is another message by Spurgeon that I read in 2016 in light of my hunger to read things by the Prince of Preacher. This booklet focuses on 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. What I appreciate about Spurgeon is that he is essentially timeless because he preaches the Gospel and definitely 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 is a Gospel text. Although this was originally a sermon by Spurgeon delivered in 1886 it is still relevant for people to read and hear it today. As I read this booklet I wished there would be more contemporary preachers who embodied the spirit of Spurgeon’s preaching.

The way the booklet is organized is stated early on by Spurgeon as the following: “…I am going to handle, first, the great doctrine, and then afterwards, and secondly, as God shall help me, we shall come to the great argument which is contained in the 20th verse.” As Spurgeon dived into the great doctrine states in our Scripture he makes three more additional points: (1) “Now consider, first, who was made sin for us,” (2) “This leads me on to the second point of the text, which is, what was done with him who knew no sin? He was “made sin,” and (3) “So I pass on to notice in the third place, who did it? The text saith, “He hath made him to be sin for us””

Like other works by Spurgeon this work also had memorable quotes and one-liners. It’s not just a collection of pithy sayings, but it’s the truth that Spurgeon conveys that warms our hearts to love Jesus more and value the Gospel more. For instance I was quite moved by this quote from Spurgeon: “I have not known men made to live unto God and holiness except by the doctrine of the death of Christ on man’s behalf.” How true do I see that in my own life! Spurgeon is right to go on and say “The story of the great Lover of the souls of men who gave himself for their salvation is still in the hand of the Holy Ghost the greatest of all forces in the realm of mind.” Spurgeon also preaches the truth and doesn’t waste time beating behind the bush. For example concerning those who deny substitutionary atonement Spurgeon stated the following: “To read the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and to accept it as relating to the Messiah, and then to deny his substitutionary sacrifice is simply wickedness.” He’s frank to his audiences when he told them the following: “You came just to hear a well-known preacher; I pray you forget the preacher, and think only of yourself, your God and your Saviour.” It is refreshing to read of celebrity preachers who points people to Christ and not just themselves. I wished more preachers today would follow Spurgeon’s example to preach Christ and the great doctrines that make up the truth of the Gospel.

Thanks for sharing your reason for liking Spurgeon. I like how he’s direct and yet his point is to show us the Gospel and point us to Christ, no matter what the problem is! We need more preachers like him today! As a preacher I want to emulate his example in this area!

Amen! I actually don’t want to be a celebrity preacher, in my short time thus far in ministry I have seen how pride can do harm to fellow classmates with bigger ministry. There’s temptations and things Satan can use to hinder God’s work. And to see Spurgeon say something like that, I was so encouraged. You are right Patrick, we need more preachers with great impact for God that can say what Spurgeon said, pointing people to Jesus the Savior!